Ashley Graham Makes Broadway Debut, Wants to Pave the Way for Plus-Size Women

For several weeks now, the famous American model has been performing on one of the most prestigious theater stages in the world. Ashley Graham plays Roxie Heart in the new Broadway adaptation of the musical "Chicago". In her latest interview, the catwalk star revealed that she hopes that her debut will encourage producers and casting directors to hire women who, like her, wear larger clothing sizes. "Just because we have curves doesn't mean we can't be cast as leading ladies," she emphasized.

Ashley Graham , one of the first plus-size models to grace the cover of Vogue magazine, can add another success to her long list of accomplishments—this time as an actress. The 37-year-old runway star made her Broadway debut last month at the Ambassador Theatre in New York City . Graham has been playing Roxie Heart in a new adaptation of the iconic, Tony-winning musical Chicago since April 15. The final performance will be May 25.

In an interview with People magazine, the model revealed that performing on one of the world's most prestigious stages had long been a dream of hers. Since Graham won the role, she has been training for singing and dancing tirelessly - five to eight hours a day, six days a week.

- I felt like I had to do everything I could to get through this. I was discouraged many times when I had to get up on Saturday or Sunday morning and work out, she said.

Graham is a mother of three children with her husband, director Justin Ervin. The star emphasized that her many years of modeling experience were very helpful when working on her stage performance.

"Walking down a runway or posing for the camera is about confidence and knowing how to move your body. Acting is the same thing, but with the added challenge of memorizing lines, mastering choreography and staying in character. Acting on Broadway is a lot harder, " Graham said.

The model hopes that her theatrical debut will encourage producers and casting directors to hire women who, like her, have larger figures, thus paving the way for them to success.

" I hope it opens people's minds. Just because we have curves doesn't mean we can't be cast as leading ladies, that we can't do choreographed dances and be the object of love," the star said. She added that since the casting of the new "Chicago" adaptation was announced, she has received a lot of support from fans. "I've gotten so much positive feedback. I'm so excited about it. I'm not letting you down, girls! " Graham said.

While recently appearing on "CBS Mornings," the model revealed that she identifies with her character.

- During the audition I tried to just be myself because I believe that Roxie is in each of us. This girl is ambitious, she wants to reach the top and she will do anything to get there. During my career I was told many times, I was told that I was not good enough and a number of other similar things. Now I try to transfer these emotions to the stage - she revealed.